There is growing literature in the area of medical students' quality of life. As far as we know, no qualitative studies have investigated the links between students' quality of life issues and their motivation to learn. The key question that drove the present study was: Is there a correlation between students' quality of life and their motivation to learn? Accordingly, the purpose of this study was to explore links between quality of life and motivation to learn. Data was gathered from medical students studying in years four (n = 6) and five (n = 13). Employing two focus groups a small group diagnostic process was used to ascertain levels of consensus around certain important areas. Student commentaries revealed some interesting and thought provoking insights. The year four students uniformly (100% agreement) experienced sleep problems and felt anxious and uncertain in the clinical setting. The year five students' consistently (100% agreement) cited problems associated with pain, injury and sleep deprivation. Moreover, they regularly felt that clinicians would perceive them as "weak" if they took time off. These findings have pastoral and academic implications for community and university management, educators, student service personnel, and students. (Contains 2 tables.)